ANALYSIS: 11 players likely to start for Kotoko in the Super 2 Clash
Ahead of the Super 2 clash, Joy Sports Kweku Arhin predicts the likely 11 to do batlle for the Porcupines
1. ERNEST SOWAH (GOALKEEPER- 5 APPEARANCES, 2 CLEAN SHEETS):
The former Berekum Chelsea shot stopper has been number one since the injuries of Felix Annan and Eric Ofori Antwi. Sowah has kept two clean sheets in three matches and will be key in this tie whatever the case be. In the last meeting between both sides in Accra, Ofori Antwi was instrumental in proceedings and so will be Sowah. This will be his first derby clash but his experience with Chelsea and the Black Stars should calm his nerves.
2. AMOS FRIMPONG (RIGHT BACK, 1 GOAL, 1 ASSIST):
Captain Fantastic. Best way to describe Kotoko’s right back. Amos will start on the right hand side of the Kotoko’s back four. His defensive presence as well as marauding runs will be key on the day. In addition to this, Amos adds the extra advantage of set piece conversion. Trust Amos to get his head on a few corners and free kicks as well as take a penalty should Kotoko be awarded one on the day.
3. EDWIN TUFFOUR FRIMPONG (LEFT BACK-0 GOAL)
Edwin Tuffour Frimpong is one of the few left footed defenders in the league who can be deployed either at the heart of defence or in the left back role. Frimpong will is likely to start on the left to add defensive presence to the defence and compensate for the attacking runs of Amos Frimpong on the other wing. Dare I say Tuffour has been the most the naturally defensive minded left back for thee Porcupines ever since Godfred Yeboah left. This is not to disregard the work of Harrison Afful or Baba Rahman but they have offered more offensively to the team than in defence. It will be interesting to see how he manages the nerves in his first Super 2 clash.
4. AHMED ADAMS ( CENTER BACK- 0 GOAL )
The former All Stars defender has become “Mr. Reliable” for the Porcupines over the past year. His timing of tackles and defensive positioning will come in handy against a Hearts frontline who are set to stretch play at every given chance. How deep the Kotoko defensive line is will rely heavily on Adams. Should he push high, he will afford the rest of the Kotoko team the chance to push and press the Phobians. Should he sit deep, Kotoko will play a deep block with lots of bodies behind the ball.
5. RICHARD OSEI AGYEMAN (CENTER BACK-0 GOAL)
Osei Agyeman is the perfect complement to Ahmed Adams. The former Chelsea full back has pace and ability to start play from the back in sharp contrast to Ahmed Adams. In addition to this, Osei Agyeman is a good tackler and will be hardly beaten in one on ones. His ability to play in defensive midfield affords him the opportunity to move out defence to intercept passes in between the lines.
6. KOJO POKU (DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD 0-GOAL )
Kojo Poku lost his place to Michael Akuffo in the meeting between both sides in August but with the absence of Akuffo and Jackson, Poku will start as the deepest lying midfielder for the Porcupines. His task will be simple as what he has been tasked to do all along under Michael Osei. Break up play and send quick passes out wide where Eric Donkor and Sarfo Gyamfi can do the damage. He will also keep an eye on the second Phobian striker who will drop in between the Kotoko defence and midfield also known as ‘between the lines.
7. FRANK SARFO GYMAFI ( RIGHT MIDFIELD 0-GOAL)
Sarfo Gyamfi began the season on the injury list but he has gradually worked himself into contention and a starting berth down the right wing for the Porcupines. In Gyamfi Kotoko will have pace and trickery as well as constant and good supply of crosses all day. To add to this, the former Wa All Stars man puts in a great shift defensively for his side down the right flank.
8. STEPHEN NYARKO (CENTRAL MIDFIELD 0-GOAL)
The new signing from Wa All Stars will be playing his first Super 2 clash and will be the man look up to for midfield creativity. His ability to hold onto the ball, have a good eye for the pass and influence play will be essential in the midfield where Mustapha Essuman and Emmanuel Sarbah Laryea will be snapping at his heels. In addition to his work rate, Nyarko has an eye for a goal bagging 5 for Wa All Stars last season. He is yet to score for the Porcupines but his late arrival in the box will pose a constant to the Phobians.
9. KWAME BOATENG (CENTER FORWARD -1 GOAL)
The former Olympics man is likely to get the nod ahead of Obed Owusu on his return to Accra. In Boateng, Kotoko will have mobility and strength and a player willing to run into the channels. His hard work is likely to cause trouble for the Hearts backline The only flaw to his game at this moment is his goal scoring as he has not found the back of the net often but will surely throw his weight about in the team.
10. DAUDA MOHAMMED (CENTER FORWARD- 1 GOAL)
Kotoko’s darling boy and lead goal scorer is one constant for Kotoko. Once he is fit and in fine form, Dauda starts and Dauda wreaks havoc and Dauda scores. The young striker will be starting only his second Super Clash but his composure and calmness has already made him a Super Clash veteran. How Kotoko operate in attack will hugely rely on the youngster. Should he remain passive, the Kotoko attacking machinery may prove dormant while an aggressive Dauda means Kotoko have much impetus to attack.
11. ERIC DONKOR (LEFT MIDFIELD- 0 GOAL)
Eric Donkor has fast established himself as a left winger after starting out as a left back. He does not have the skill and trickery accompanied with modern wingers but he is certain to provide the width needed. His assists have dried up after picking 11 last season. He is yet to assist this season but that has been down to a general slump in form. He has however been revived under Michael Osei and will be hoping to repay the trust posed in him by the stand in coach. Donkor will be behind all free kicks and corners for the Porcupines and will send in teasing crosses all day with his sweet left foot.
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Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Kweku Arhin